Promoting British Values

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated by the DfE in 2015. At Tickhill Estfeld Primary we fully endorse the DfE strategy which aims to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Democracy

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. School council members for each year group are voted in by their class after delivery of a speech on why they feel they would make a good council leader. School Council, which meets regularly, discuss issues raised by the pupils. The council raises funds for charity (they organise the Children in Need campaign in school each year); they give their opinions on physical changes in school such as new playground equipment (they designed the trim trails in past years and are currently discussing improvements to the KS2 playground. Through this they are genuinely able to effect change within the school. Each year in school the pupils decide upon their class rules and the rights associated with these in their own classes. All the children contribute to the drawing up of these rules.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour. Both through our PSHE curriculum and our Assemblies programme pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws: that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service, help reinforce this message. Year 6 take part each year in the ‘Crucial Crew’ programme which reinforces the criminal age of responsibility and how people are accountable for their actions. The Rule of Law is also modelled by staff who demonstrate integrity, fairness and standards.

Individual Liberty 

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Tickhill Estfeld Primary is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE, PSHE teachings reinforce this. Members of different faiths or cultures are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. At Tickhill Estfeld Primary School, we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views. Staff have attended a WRAP workshop to enable them to do this effectively and know how to take action where they believe there to be risk of radicalistaion.

March 2019